Have you ever thought about what you're actually doing when you run that chemical bathtub cleaner down your drain? It seems harmless, doesn't it.
Yet, the far-reaching effects of that one small action, when coupled with the similar actions of millions of other people worldwide, can help create water pollution that even the latest technology won't be able to clean fast or thoroughly enough to provide all the clean water for drinking and sanitation that we all need.
Maybe these facts would hit home more readily if people realized what the effects of pollution really are.
Of course, not all water pollution can be blamed on you and me.
Agriculture and industry both contribute heavily to the problem, even with the tightening of regulations that many governments have enacted.
For example, rain picks up silt and debris and washes it into rivers, lakes, and streams.
If the silt is filled with farm chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, all of that can be washed into our water sources and taken downstream where it poisons or smothers fish and water animals.
Not only aquatic lifeforms are effected, either.
Other birds and animals, including humans, drink from the contaminated waters and get sick and die, too.
It's easy to see how water pollution affects those who live in countries where there isn't sufficient clean water.
Waterborne diseases are rampant, because parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms which cause diseases are transmitted through the water people ultimately drink, cook with, and bath in.
This is particularly true of water resources that have been contaminated via the pathogens that are present in materials excreted by humans and animals.
Some of these diseases include typhoid, hookworm, cholera, cancer, and diarrhea, and pollutants also cause irreparable damage to the liver, kidneys and heart, lead to blood disorders, and cause problems with the nervous system.
Of course, many of these illnesses and disorders can lead to death.
The United States is not exempt from these problems.
For example, the Gulf of Mexico and Boston Harbor are both so full of pollution that it will cost taxpayers millions, and even billions, of dollars to attempt a clean-up.
If enough of the water in the world becomes polluted, we could be faced with water shortages all over the planet.
Obviously, the best solution to curb the effects of water pollution is for everyone to become aware of the problem and take steps now to stop polluting our water.